About Me
Hi there! I'm Kai, a Los Angeles multifaceted creative with a suitcase full of stories – writer, photographer, and visual storyteller. My adventures have taken me from bustling souks in Morocco to dazzling skylines in Dubai, and everywhere in between.
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In addition, advocating for human rights has been a lifelong passion of mine. I've had the privilege of collaborating with respected organizations like Amnesty International in which I was the recipient of their IN-Grant student award to do research on human rights abuses in various countries. I feel proud to have partnered with Fundacion Koinonia, (Located in Cartagena, Colombia) Islamic Relief USA , The Compton Girls Club, MVFR ( Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation) , The Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, The Los Angeles County African American Employees Association, GIRLS's Inc and interned with The American Friends Service Committee.
Since 2021, I have been a member of NATJA, the North American Travel Journalists Association. I previously contributed to Travel Pulse, a website that provides the most recent information on the travel sector, from 2021 to 2023. In 2023 I joined Wanderful, a global lifestyle brand and community that helps all women travel the world. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
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Previously, I held the remote position of blog manager at Hunger Reduction International, located in Somalia. I have also worked with the Seed Foundation which is a charity based in Nairobi, Kenya that works to empower youth education. I am also the co- founder of The Locals Research and Story Exchange also based in Nairobi Kenya, which is a community-rooted research, storytelling initiative that centers local knowledge, lived experience, and community voices—through photography, storytelling, writing and advocacy. My photographs have been featured prominently in the travel section of the LA Times and other publications. Since 2002, I have been employed with the County of Los Angeles in Special Operations and Financial Data. I am also a singer-songwriter classically trained in piano and voice at Capital University located in Columbus, Ohio,
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Most recently I am the founder of Black Girls Shoot Too. This is a Los Angeles-based creative community I've built for WOC photographers, featuring monthly photo walks and workshops. Lastly, I am the driving force behind Afia Travel. At Afia travel I inspire women to embark on unforgettable adventures. This spirit of discovery is a tribute to the memory of my sister, Malika Afia. The name, Afia, is of Ghanaian origin, signifying “born on Friday” – a day traditionally associated with good fortune, new beginnings, and the promise of exciting journeys.
When it comes to travel, I'm a firm believer in going beyond the postcard. I crave deep dives into local cultures, savoring every memory along the way. My visual storytelling captures the essence of these journeys, a testament to the transformative power of travel. My passion lies not just in exploring new horizons, but also in promoting wellness and empowering others to find healing through travel experiences. I'm all about fostering positive social change and leaving a positive footprint wherever I wander.